September 4, 1905
When at the end of last season the Liverpool team had gallantly won their way back to the First Division, all good sportsmen hoped that they might fare successfully this. Their opening engagement was against Woolwich Arsenal, on the ground of the latter, on Saturday, and it was generally recognised that a stiff tussle would take place. Such a course of events certainly was the case, but the dominating feature of the match was Liverpool’s ill luck.
Not only did the Anfielders drop two valuable points, but they sustained the more serious damage of having Parkinson mained. The injury is all the more regrettable inasmuch as the dashing centre-forward appears to be quite at the top of his form, and his mishap will keep him out of the field for at least a couple of months to come.
The accident like many such, happened in the simplest manner possible, and when the player was assisted from the field few imagined the agony he was suffering. He had taken the ball to within a few yards of the Woolwich goalkeeper, and was just about to shoot, when he was pushed either by Sharp or Gray, the two full backs.
The result was that he fell awkwardly, and in putting out his right hand to break the fall he fractured the wrist.
The hand was turned completely round, and the injury was deemed so serious that Parkinson was conveyed immediately to the Woolwich Infirmary. Here chloroform was administered, and a couple of doctors succeeded, it is hoped, in setting the broken bones.
The unfortunate fellow, who was detained in the infirmary several hours will return to Liverpool this evening, when a further surgical examination under the X-rays will be made. To add to this misfortune, Robinson wrenched the muscles of the left shoulder, and Dunlop slightly sprained his leg, but both these players will be fit and well by Saturday next.
It will thus be seen that the visitors were tremendously handicapped, and though perhaps it is idle to speculate what would have happened under happier circumstances there can be few who saw the game who will deny that Liverpool were the better side.
Turning to the game itself, it may be written down as a vigorous and exciting exhibition of football. There was perhaps a little wildness in the passing, but the Liverpool forwards were just settling down to a fine combined style of play when Parkinson’s accident and absence threw them out of gear. Both sides had chances that ought to have been taken early on the game, but the shooting was very erratic, and when the interval came neither team had scored.
On crossing over the Anfielders went away at a great pace, and in the course of five minutes’ ding-dong work Robinson scored the first goal of the game from a magnificent centre by Cox. Five minutes later the Arsenal put themselves on equal terms through he instrumentality of Coleman, who headed the ball past Doig.
Being on level terms again, the players put on double pressure, and some capital footwork was seen. The home forwards at this time had steadied down considerably, and a smart concerted movement terminated in Blair giving them the lead.
Then the excitement was enhanced through the visitors being awarded a penalty kick for handling, but, alas for their hopes, Raybould shot yards wide.
Under the new rule, which compels a goalkeeper to remain on the line, scoring penalties ought to be as easy as shelling peas, and Raybould’s failure was extremely disappointing.
In the closing stages Liverpool tried hard to make up the leeway, but without success, and within a few minutes of time Satterthwaite scored a third goal, which Doig made no attempt to save, the Gunners were left distinctly fortunate winners by 3 goals to 1.
Reviewing the general trend of the play the performance of the Liverpool men gave perfect satisfaction. Considering their dislocated state the four forwards showed dash, determination, and plenty of power behind their shots. Several of Cox’s centres were extremely brilliant, and though Goddard was a little loose at times he performed excellently. Robinson missed scoring what ought to have been a certain goal in the first five minutes of play, but apart from this he did well, as did with a similar exception – Raybould.
The halves did their duty nobly, especially Raisbeck who is apparently in finer form than ever. Parry showed rare cleverness on occasions in checking Blair and Templeton, and if George Fleming was a trifle on the slow side, he nevertheless worked heart and soul for the good of his side. Both the backs sustained their reputation for fearless tackling and hard kicking, and it was rather a pity that Dunlop should have left the field just before the close, for it was while he was away that the third goal accrued to the Arsenal. Doig was cool and reliable, and kept out a number of hot shots.
There is no necessity to descant upon the Woolwich eleven. They are a team that will certainly do well on their own ground. Templeton is apparently in form, and the Southerners have undoubtedly an acquisition in Blair. Their half backs also will have to be reckoned with, and the defence is indisputably strong.
Liverpool: Ned Doig, Alf West, Billy Dunlop, Maurice Parry, Alex Raisbeck, George Fleming, Arthur Goddard, Robert Robinson, Jack Parkinson, Sam Raybould, John Cox.
Woolwich Arsenal: Jimmy Ashcroft, Archie Gray, Jimmy Sharp, John Dick, Percy Sands, Roddy McEachrane, Jim Bellamy, Tim Coleman, Charles Satterthwaite, Jimmy Blair, Bobby Templeton.
The Liverpool team are remaining in London in order to open the new Chelsea ground this afternoon. Since Friday they have made their headquarters at the comfortable and convenient Manchester Hotel, Aldersgate-street, the manager of which, by the way, Mr. Hanscombe, is an old athlete of repute. Today’s engagement is, of course, of a purely friendly character, but a great attendance is anticipated for the Chelsea Club ground is held by many to be the best-appointed enclosure in or around the Metropolis.
(Liverpool Daily Post: September 4, 1905)
Images, copyright belongs to Daily Mirror, September 4 – 1905.
(1) Woolwich Arsenal v. Liverpool, at Plumstead, resulting in a win for the Arsenal by 3 goals to 1. The picture shows Ashcroft, the Arsenal goalkeeper, saving a hot shot. (2) A fast run up the wing by Liverpool. (3) Close play before the Liverpool goal, Arsenal pressing hard.
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